The specialization is structured to build expertise in statistical analysis for political science and international relations. The first course in the path, Foundations of Statistical Analysis in Political Science with SPSS, introduces learners to the core concepts of social science research and the practical use of IBM SPSS Statistics. It covers research approaches, data sources, and the basics of working with SPSS, preparing students to handle and describe categorical data with confidence. The next stage, Analyzing and Visualizing Political Data with SPSS, builds on this foundation, focusing on practical applications of SPSS for analyzing and visualizing both categorical and continuous data. Learners will master techniques for data visualization, statistical inference, and group comparisons. The final course in this specialization, Advanced Statistical Techniques and Reporting for Political Science, delves into advanced inferential methods, including multiple and logistic regression, tailored for political science and international relations research. It also emphasizes effective reporting and communication strategies, equipping learners to present data-driven insights in academic and professional contexts.
This specialization is based on the course, Statistics for Politics and International Relations Using IBM SPSS Statistics, by Helen M. Williams.
Applied Learning Project
Applied practice activities integrated throughout the courses provide structured opportunities for learners to apply key concepts and methods in realistic contexts. Through guided analysis, reflection, and skill application, participants engage with authentic challenges aligned to the subject matter and develop practical competence in solving domain-relevant problems.
